Archive for the ‘Health’

Home hot tubs are not simply for entertainment and recreational purposes anymore. While in previous decades they have been considered luxury items and only the rich or upper middle class was able to afford them. This has changed a great deal in recent years at tremendous advancements in hot tub technology have been made, and also there are increasing numbers of designs and features that contribute to a wide range of prices and options. These elements mean that businesses like choosehottubsdirect have an ever greater and more diverse population of customers.

In addition to the their much higher rates of availability, the uses and recognized functions of hot tubs has also increased. As it was previously mentioned, hot tubs are not used only for entertainment and recreation. They are also used for personal well being aspects and contribute to healthy lifestyles. They have also been used in various medical therapeutic practices.

One of the most common well being practices associated with hot tub use muscle relaxation and meditative habits. It is a nice option to wake up in the morning and enjoy a quality backyard yoga or tai chi session before relaxing into a dip in the your private hot tub. It is becoming highly recognized and accepted that yoga contributes to an overall sense of stability and calm and people who practice it regularly generally remain more calm and respond less with less stress during the day’s events. In a chaotic and unpredictable world, it is increasingly more important to turn one’s own home into their private sanctuary and have the necessary features to recover and reinvigorate oneself to face the challenges of the day. Hot tubs are becoming more popular for this reason, as well as others. Their increasing affordability makes it even easier to incorporate them into a healthy lifestyle and personal sanctuary

category Health Tina Monday 19 October 2009 Comment (0)

One of the best things an active person in today’s busy world can do for themselves is to invest in a personal hot tub for their backyard. Relaxing in front of the powerful jet streams that are directed toward neck, shoulders, upper and lower back as well as thighs and calves has an amazing power to eliminate the cumulative effect of the day’s stress and its consequence on one’s mind and body.  Choosehottubsdirect.com is well aware of the personal benefits of hot tub use and is an excellent resource for directing consumers to the perfect model of home spa for them.

Installing a hot tub in the backyard is often considered to be an investment in home or property value and elements of entertainment and personal pleasure can be factored in. However, the actual health and well being aspects of a home spa are oftentimes overlooked, and they account for perhaps the greatest value and investment aspect in a hot tub purchase. It is well known that stress is a leading cause of health related issues, and in today’s competitive business and professional world, it is nearly impossible to avoid. By ensuring a dependable stress relief element in one’s life helps to reduce the possible health consequences stress can contribute to.

Mental stress and worries is not the only health benefit offered by hot tubs. It is an excellent way to relax overworked and tired muscles and to rejuvenate the body. Many people enjoy a quick dip in the hot tub before they begin their day and report that this helps them to remain calm throughout the afternoon. Others look forward to a pleasant and relaxing evening in the tub and use it to release the tensions of the day. Of course there are others who climb into the tub both day and night for the maximum relaxation and tension release possible.

category Health Tina Monday 21 September 2009 Comment (0)

Joint pain from arthritis.  Migraine headaches.   Diabetes.  High blood pressure.  Sleepless nights.  These are all ailments that affect one’s quality of life.  And they are ailments that can be relieved to a great extent by hydrotherapy.  Three aspects of water therapy include massage, buoyancy and heat.  When brought together in a home spa or jacuzzi, the result is both healthy treatment and relaxation.  Water can do incredible things, and when it comes to healing these sorts of illnesses or afflictions, miraculous results are possible.

Many times throughout the busy work week, one may thing that if they could just get home and soak in a hot bath, they will feel less stressed out, they will have time to relax.  And it is true.  The stress and the headaches of the day are simply washed away while soaking in warm water, and add to that the jets and the bubbles of a home spa, and the muscle tension will ease and sleep will not be far away.  There are many options when considering hot tub spas, and those are outlined perfectly at the web site choosehottubsdirect.com.   The health benefits from soaking in this manner, provide relief from many of life’s stresses, as well as many diagnosed cases of high blood pressure and diabetes.

Just soaking in a spa has been shown to release endorphins in one’s body.  When endorphins are released, stress dissipates.  The warmer water dilates the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and reducing the instances of headaches.  For those with trouble sleeping at night, a good long soak will help that transition, in not only allowing one to fall to sleep, but to experience a deeper more restorative kind of sleep.  The increased circulation due to the dilated blood vessels, has been a huge draw for athletes or for anyone with stiff muscles and joints.  Hydrotherapy has become a popular kind of physical therapy for many of today’s top athletes, as well as for those who participate in any sort of exercise program.

category Health Tina Monday 14 September 2009 Comment (0)

Though much is made about the emotional effects that alcohol can have on abusers on the people who know them, just as serious effects occur physicality.  No where are these effects more evident than on the brain.  Memory impairment, disrupted speech patterns, balance problems in walking, and distorted vision are just some of the short term problems that alcohol can cause, especially in those who are addicted to the substance.   Though the exact long term effects are still being debated today by researchers in the field, they can all agree on one thing: it can cause permanent and many cases irreparable damage to the brain if an intervention and residential drug treatment is not sought earlier enough.

Simpler problems to deal with among the long term effects include minor slips of memory and other cognitive abilities to such damage that a person require 24/7 care for the rest of their life.  What researchers are trying to accomplish is a determination of what kinds of behavior patterns construct what kinds of effects and in what kinds of people.  Because so many factors go into figuring out these results, researchers still do not have definitive answers to provide people, especially as opinions and research keep altering.

Some of the  causes that go in to determining how much alcohol damages the brain include: when the drinker initially started to consume alcohol and for what period of time; the state of their health; prenatal alcohol exposure; how much alcohol is consumed at a sitting and how often; gender, education level, family history, age, and socioethnic background.  Other researchers focus solely on how alcohol abuse intervention might be improved.

Two of the most common  effects that are short term are blackout and memory loss.  Blackouts, as the name suggests, means a person cannot completely or not at all recall what they did when intoxicated.  Recently, researchers have found blackouts are actually found more and more among allegedly social drinkers.   Long term damages often show up in the form of liver disease.  Perhaps more disturbing is that liver cirrhosis can develop from liver disease and is often fatal as it can cause hepatic encephalopathy.

While professional opinions vary widely among the medical community here in the United States and certainly in the rest of the world about the definition, treatment, causes, and effects of alcoholism, one things has always remained the same: abuse of alcohol without the hope alcohol or drug rehab always has long lasting effects even into sobriety.  That is why early detection, as is the case in so many diseases, is so important.

category Health Tina Tuesday 25 August 2009 Comment (0)

I was told to imagine if I had the power, the knowledge and the ability to not only heal myself, but others, then imagine how my life would change, how empowered I would feel and how much money I’d save not only for me, but for others. I was told this at a weekend healing retreat my friend dragged me to because she was interested in becoming a healer, but didn’t want to attend the retreat all by herself. Actually, I think she wanted me with her so I would become a partner with her and we’d start up a wellness center together. But I didn’t believe in any of this stuff, but I did believe in her and her abilities to do what she put her mind to.

What I didn’t expect was to become a believer myself. Even on the very first day, after we got settled in our room at one of the Sydney five star hotels, I felt something strange happening to me. The only way I can describe the feeling is like I could sense every part of my body all the time, not just when I focused on my body, but all the time, I didn’t have to focus, I was just aware. So, I think I was being prepared to absorb the information this seminar was about to teach.

They taught us that understanding energy is easier than one would think and it can lead to absolute healing and happiness in every aspect of our lives. That we didn’t need to understand the underlying principles, just like how we (the general Joe on the street) don’t understand electricity, but we can still use it and gain the benefits of its use. They gave use three basic energy levels. The first was Maximum energy, this will change our lives by getting access to boost energy which will aid in removing stress and pain like migraines in minutes. Then the second energy is the hassle free energy which accesses the infinite universe of what’s called the Life Force. They told us once we learn this technique, which draws on the infinite source, we will be able to apply the technique anywhere, anytime on anyone. It’s kind of a tool kit that we’ll learn to use for all aspects of life, like just zap someone on public transport, or a co-worker, or even or loved ones at home, and no one’s the wiser that they received a healing. The third and last technique is called the Fast technique where we’ll be able to remove pain, increase our energy levels and help not only ourselves, but our loved ones. This last technique, they told us, we’ll be able to master on our first day of the retreat.

Well, if how I’m feeling right now is any indication of putting these technique’s into play, then I’m a believer. I really can not describe just how energized I am and how wonderful I feel, and the retreat hasn’t even started yet.

category Health, Medical, Travel Tina Tuesday 25 August 2009 Comment (0)

Thai healing techniques are becoming more popular as people are coming disenchanted with Western allopathic treatments. There appears to be a global movement towards a more holistic, a more natural approach to healing. The activities such as Yoga, meditation, Reiki and Pranic Healing are now not perceived as a one time hobby, but now are increasingly becoming mainstream. Herbal medicines and natural intentional heeling’s have also re-emerged as alternatives to what now many see as an ever growing impersonal, drug driven Western approach to healing.

Many centers, even a Phuket hotel are now set up to accommodate visitors from around the world. Thailand is now know to many as having many branches of traditional medicine equally as all the traditional Chinese medicines. Thailand has become a natural draw for practitioners of alternative approaches. The last few years alone, Thailand has become the ideal place for a visitor to explore the alternative approaches currently offered. Like Integrated medicines, detoxification, natural healing and spiritual centers.

Thailand’s Spas are fast becoming healing and spiritual spas that focus on spiritual health. They encourage visitors to pursue a spiritual journey of introspection and reflection by participating in the activities that are available during a spa visit, such as the techniques for mental meditation and physical relaxations to trauma repair and relief. The techniques include Tai-chi, yoga, chi-gong and sitting meditations. Before visiting a spiritual spa, be sure to figure out which spiritual activities the spa focuses on. A spa for spiritual relief or healing should be chosen carefully. Individuals interested in visiting a spa where they can learn Eastern methods of relaxation are not going to be satisfied with reading the Bible for a week. Spiritual spas can offer spiritual growth possibilities, so keep you eyes and heart open, because you might miss an opportunity to grow.

category Health, Travel Tina Tuesday 25 August 2009 Comment (0)

This morning I took a walk outside of one of the 5 Star Singapore Hotels where I stay when visiting the city and I noticed that the  Saga Tree was in bloom. I remember as a child, I loved the Saga trees when in bloom because of their bright red seeds.

Now as a biologist, I have a better appreciation and a best understanding of the Saga Tree. The leaves have 2 to 6 pairs of side stalks, each with 9 to 15 pairs of leaflets. ‘Pavo’ I’ve found means peacock and I think the leaves are rather pretty. The tree sheds its leaves seasonally. In Singapore, they shed their leaves every 6 to 8 months, so it’s leafless period is very short. After the leaves fall a flower will appear on the long stalks shooting out the end tips. These are the faintly scented blossoms which reminds me of the scent of orange blossoms back home. The flowers will open gradually from the base upwards and the petals are a nice creamy yellow and then they turn to a dull orange.

The pods of the Saga tree are curved and green, but don’t coil until they begin to split whereupon they also turn blackish.  The seeds are bright red, hard and heart-shaped. The word ‘Saga’ has been traced to the Arabic for goldsmith.  In India and Sri Lanka, the seeds of this tree have been used as units of weight for fine measures, of gold for instance. It’s been suggested that the seeds of the tree were the basis of the very earliest of such systems. What more delightful counters for the primitive and bloody mind than these hard, red, heart-shaped seeds.

The red seeds are considered intoxicants. I found records that in Java, the seeds are roasted, shelled and eaten with rice and said to taste like soybeans. In India, the seeds are also used in medicine. And everywhere, the seed are also used to make necklaces. As I walked back from my nostalgic leisure stroll and noticed I had a smile on my face.

category Business, Economy, Enviroment, Health, Music, Science, Society, Travel Tina Monday 6 July 2009 Comment (0)

Insomnia is one of the characteristics of those suffering from Fibromyalgia.  This diseases causes those to fidget all night in the attempt to find comfort, but what generally happens that even when one does find it, it is not good sleep..it is disturbed and interrupted throughout the night.  Rarely will one wake feeling rested and rejuvenated.  It seems that something in the brain of those afflicted is triggered when one sleeps, and arousal of pain that is automatic and symptomatic of the disease.  When this occurs over time, the patient will not reap the restorative benefits that sleep is meant to provide.

While one sleeps, the hormone necessary for growth, not just in growing children but that which is necessary for the growth of new cells throughout the body, is produced.  Without this surge each night of the hormone, neurotransmitters in the brain remain un-replenished, and the muscles will not be able to heal.  This lack of sleep eventually just compounds the problems already inherent in the disease.  The body becomes even more sensitive to stress and to the pain.  Anxiety levels soar, as well as depression, difficulty with memory and overall fatigue.

Some people experience insomnia as have trouble just falling asleep, while others have a difficult time remaining asleep.  Others will sleep through the night, but will wake up far too early.  Changes in ones lifestyle is often the most beneficial and long lasting ways one can finally get a good night of rest.   Comfort one creates in ones home will do wonders as far as reducing stress levels and falling to sleep.  One very successful way people relax is by either soaking in a hot bath tub or by soaking in a hot tub surrounding by a beautiful garden in their own back yard.  Such hot tubs are inexpensive today such as those displayed at choosehottubsdirect.com.  Hot water calms the mind and relaxes the body.  Other ways that people relax and quiet their minds is through meditation, avoiding caffeine and sugar, calming music or doing a bit of yoga or stretching before climbing into bed.

category Health, Home & Garden Tina Tuesday 30 June 2009 Comment (0)

In the hectic, work driven world of today, many find that they are suffering ailments that are related to that…to too much work and not enough time spent relaxing and caring for oneself.  Many rush home only to have those requirements such as walking the dog, helping the kids with homework, cooking dinner, making school lunches and then falling into to bed, only to have trouble falling asleep.  Then the next day, the stresses are only compounded as one feels the effects of not having a good night of sleep.  One of the aspects of hydrotherapy may be able to solve this problem, among many other physical problems adults experience due to their lifestyles.  Insomnia, anxiety and chronic fatigue syndrome are just some of the physical ailments than can be treated with hydrotherapy.  Many people still have the idea that owning a spa is an expense that they can not afford, however with modern technological advances and new designs, the home spa is relatively inexpensive, and there are many good deals being offered by distributors, so it is possible to fine very cheap hot tubs that will provide one with the relief of these physical issues.

Soaking in hot water before bedtime serves to provide one with a restful and deeper sleep.  One aspect is that the soak will alter the body temperature, raising it slightly which is a signal to the brain and the body that it is time for sleep.  The hot water also serves to open the pores and cleanse the skin, and helps to increase circulation and blood flow, which is a key issue when speaking of chronic fatigue.  The very young and the very old are more sensitive to the effects of the hot soaks, and so a doctor should be consulted before these populations take to the hot tubs.  Also, pregnant women should be extremely careful to not soak in water that is too hot.  As well as those affected by diabetes, those with high blood pressure and or heart problems.  Suggestions may be made to the affect of shorter soak times, if at all.  Overall, for those with the previously mentioned conditions, the sense of weightlessness and the soothing warmth of the water will ease ache and pains and provide one with one more tool to prevent sleeplessness and restless nights.

category Health, Home & Garden Tina Monday 29 June 2009 Comment (0)

Going to work Monday through Friday. Eight-o-clock to Five-o-Clock. Walking the dog. Kicking it at the Dance Clubs Friday Evening. Drinking too much and needing a ride home. Sleeping in on Saturday morning. Cleaning the living room, bathroom and bedrooms. Doing the laundry. Grocery shopping for food to make next weeks lunch. Watching the Netflix DVD that just came in the mail. Walking the dog. Meeting with friends at the New York USA Hotel for drinks before heading next door to the movie theater and watch the latest hit. Eat too much popcorn. Saying goodnight to friends and head on home. Flopping down on the sofa and turning on the CD player and listen to some chillaxing tunes. Falling asleep on the sofa.

Waking up early Sunday morning with a crick in the neck. Go Jogging for a mile or so. Reading the New York Times out on the patio after taking a shower. Cooking up breakfast consisting of an Omelet, bacon, wheat toast and fresh orange juice. Calling up a few friends to see what they’re doing. Catching up on Emails. Watching some television. Walking the dog. Checking the personals for anyone interesting to date. Playing World of WarCraft online. Looking up a clock to see it’s 1:37am Monday morning. Regretting playing WoW too long. Making a ham sandwich for lunch tomorrow and going to bed only to wake up at 6am in the morning to go to work. Going to work Monday through Friday.

These are the dreams Michael has as he lays in his hospital bed on able to move, except for him pinkie finger, at the long-term care facility which he as lived in ever since he has a major Stroke. Rehabilitation helps very little. Basically, the physical therapists visits everyday do lift up his mood, but other than that, all Michael does with his idle time is imagine doing something different.

category Business, Economy, Food, Health, Music, Society, Travel Tina Friday 29 May 2009 Comment (0)

Most think that these small, brown, flattened critters called bedbugs will only appear in filthy places. Unfortunately that’s no longer true. New York is once again being invaded and the problem is growing through out the world as more and more international travellers and business people bring with them and take home with them this intrusive insect stowed away in a briefcase or suitcase. New York Business Hotels have taken the best defense and have managed to be bedbug free due to their due diligence. But, caution is still the key to make sure when in New York you don’t bring any bedbugs home with you.

Bedbugs can survive in clean areas as well; as long as there are humans to fed on, there will always be a bedbug in waiting for their next meal. However, keeping your environment clean of clutter will help avoid the bedbug due to the fact of fewer areas for them to hide, but bedbug love to hide in the crevices of the mattress and the head and foot boards of the bed. Usually, one need to toss the mattress along with the box springs to get rid of a bedbug infestation.  Sad really, but it’s the only way to ensure that there are no more in your living quarters.

When in New York make sure to keep your luggage and or briefcase off the floor. Preferably on top of a table or dresser. Not on the luggage tray, that’s where bedbugs might hang out. Some tip-offs to the presence of the bedbug are reddish spots of blood dried on the sheets, dark fecal matter stains in the crevasses of the mattress. They like to lay their eggs close to where a human will be, so even check in-between the mattress and springboard for signs. If your brought bedbugs home with you from your trip to New York and find any of these signs listed above, don’t mess around with store bought products, hire a professional pest control firm, one that specializes in bedbugs because there are extremely tough to get rid of and easy to spread to another part of the house.

category Business, Health, Society, Travel Tina Thursday 21 May 2009 Comment (0)

A Psychoactive substance is any chemical substance that temporarily alters a person’s mood, perception, consciousness, or behavior. An example of these are alcohol, prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin, or amphetamines. These substances primarily act upon the central nervous system.

Because these changes in consciousness or mood can be viewed by the user as enjoyable or pleasant, these psychoactive substances have the tendency to be abused (used excessively) despite dangerous health risks or other negative effects.

With sustained used of these substances, physical dependency on these substances develop, making the cycle of abuse even that much harder to interrupt or reverse. Drug rehab can involve a combination of psychotherapy, support groups or other psychoactive drugs to break the cycle.

Many of these programs find that success can be found more readily when it’s combined with a drug rehabilitation or extended stay facility as it gives the person a chance to focus more closely on beating the habit. Various types of programs offer help in drug rehabilitation, including: residential treatment (in-patient), out-patient, local support groups, extended care centers, and recovery or sober houses. Newer drug rehab centers offer age and gender specific programs.

Traditional addiction treatment is based primarily on counseling. However, recent discoveries have shown those suffering from addiction often have chemical imbalances that make the recovery process more difficult. Often, these imbalances may be corrected through improved diet, nutritional supplements and leading a healthy lifestyle. Some of the more innovative centers are now offering a “Biochemical Restoration” process to supplement the counselings portion of treatment.

category Health Tina Tuesday 19 May 2009 Comment (0)

Surgical costs are becoming so exorbitant that it is almost impossible for the average American to manage healthcare without breaking the bank.  Often people put off important surgeries because they cannot afford the expense.  Additionally, there are many people who cannot afford high monthly premiums and therefore must forgo insurance coverage all together.  When a surgery is necessary, this leaves them in an impossible situation.  With the advent of Medical Tourism , an industry that helps would-be patients find affordable care in other countries, a solution is at hand.  People are discovering that there is no greater risk to undergo surgery in, for example, Mexico, than in their home country.  Surgeons abroad are increasingly becoming more in demand as are their surgeons who have received their post graduate degrees from many important medical schools in the States and Canada.

Because care is personal and of such high quality, and because costs are up to sometimes 60% less than in the U.S., Mexico is becoming one of the leading countries for procedures such as affordable knee surgery, gastric bypass, shoulder replacement surgery, and the like.  And because patients are saving such large sums, they often opt to stay in the country after their procedure to enjoy a local beach or to explore cities and towns that they otherwise would never have visited.  Its a win-win situation all the way around.

category Health Tina Monday 18 May 2009 Comment (0)

Medical Tourism has become a multi-billion dollar business where potential patients are able to find a suitable surgeon and hospital in a country where procedural costs are sizeably lower than those in the United States.  With reputable hospitals and staff in countries such as Mexico, India, Thailand, and elsewhere, more and more people are flocking to these places to get their surgeries done.  Procedures such as knee replacement surgery are easily booked and patients will then find themselves with excellent care in top notch hospitals, many of which are affiliated with such reputable North American institutions such as Harvard Medical. Once surgery and post operative treatment is complete, patients are then able to take advantage of being in foreign country where they can use some extra time touring and sightseeing.  As surgical costs can be up to 60% less, the temptation to travel and enjoy a vacation becomes more viable. In this regard, combining low cost surgery with travel has become the wave of both the present and future. So if you are seeking affordable knee surgery, cosmetic surgery, lap band surgery, or any other type of medical procedure, it is no longer far-fetched to look beyond your own shores.  Many agencies dealing in Medical Tourism can be found online or through your local travel agency.

category Health Tina Monday 11 May 2009 Comment (0)